Almost Christmas!

 I am off 2 days in a row, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  I am very excited.  I haven't had more than Sunday off since mid October!  Then I work Sat and am off Sunday.  

I am so lucky that DH went to Aldi's today for our Christmas Day dinner.  We are going to have roast pork loin and potatoes and carrots.  I am going to roast some broccoli in the over too.  We are just going to stop by and give his folks a little something for Christmas - I got them a basket of goodies to eat.  Just favorite treats and snacks, I am also going to make cookies tomorrow.  Other than that, just DH and I.  

A close family member that got covid and died in 3 weeks made me convinced more than ever that we need to be very careful around DH folks - they are 84 and 85.  Our family member on my side that passed away was a very healthy and active 81 year old, with no underlying health problems.  So, no chances for us.

Tonight after work, i am going to make a healthy batch of brownies (got the Paleo Sweets cookbook earlier this year).  For me to watch my sugar (trying to lose this 15 I have gained since "retiring" and keep DH sugar low - as he is diabetic).  And I have a casserole I threw together today that we will have tonight.  Tomorrow, we will eat pretty clean, so we can enjoy a couple of cookies.  DH also got us a bit of fruit, so we can feel like that is a treat too.  I have been juicing about 2 bunches of celery a week, and it is not too bad at all!

I hope everyone out there has a wonderful Christmas.  It might not resemble Christmases we are used to, or envisioned for ourselves and our families, but sometimes that happens.  Blessings I wish on you all out there!

Hello Winter

Luke 1:78-79, “Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” (NLT)

It got pretty cool yesterday.  I slept pretty good last night.  Having headache and back ache made my put off my last batch of cookies for today.  Now I wish I had powered through.  I bought a new crockpot, broke the crock for my other one.  Looked online and couple thrifts, could not readily find a new crock.  I will keep the shell and lid for a couple months...see if I can find another crock.  If not, I can trash then.

Woke up yesterday at 4am...stayed in bed till 6 and got up.  Watched the sun come up.

Later in the day, we moved around some stuff so that we could move my truck in the shop.  It really makes things tight in there, but the truck is new and expensive, so we wanted to store inside.  I finally got all the commission friend's sister's shoes listed on Poshmark.  I have 146 left, but they are all cleaned and listed.  I brought all the boots back in my house, hoping I can get them all sold by end of February.  The boxes of shoes I have narrowed down to at lieast a single file against far wall of the shop, allowing the truck in.   I have 41 of my own listings, mostly jeans and shoes.  I have sold gross of over $600 for her and couple hundred for myself.  I am saving up for another pair or 2 of tennis shoes.  They are all I wear now.  So I am just going to embrace it.

My high school class is planning a late January get together.  I have been working on it with my friend.  I have to use DH phone.  No telling when mine will be back.  She laughs and tells me she found ANOTHER BOX of shoes.  They are totally ok with and I am thinking someday...if all the stuff is listed and I don't want to perpetually stock my inventory...I will let the listings dwindle and I will either donate the last bit, or take them somewhere to sell in person on commission.  I will see what happens.  My friend said, get what I can and donate the rest.  They just needed them gone.

What are you donating?  Baking?  Hope your day is filled with Christmas preparations and happy planning!

Down Day

Wednesday evening DH took our large SUV back to the city to sell.  His brother owns business in busy area.  It is parked out in front.  Plus, research shows a decent 4wd SUV no rust, gets higher price up there. 

Wed night I baked.  Thursday I drove with girlfriend to see our 2 good friends with cancer,  we had lunch and chatted.  Fun.  Stressful.  Plus it rained all day.   I was tired of driving,  esp in rain at night.

I got home 11pm to get my Christmas stuff ready to go up to city, see my aunts, granny, former coworker friend B and drive DH back home.  He golfed with his brother Thursday.  

I took pup with me both days.  It is heartbreaking seeing our 2 friends going thru this.   And their families.  Part of the sadness getting to point in life when you start losing contemporaries is seeing the sadness of your group of buddies suffering along besides us.

I had wonderful visit back hometown, then city Friday.  DH and I fell asleep front of TV early last night!

Today, yoga and TV.  Along with hot tea and few cookies.  Life is good. 

Coincidentally, wellness challenge day 13 is send encouraging text to 5 people.  Done.  Encouraged my aunt in her support of her sister and have texted more than 5 of my childhood friends in this cancer experience.   And just now texted my city neighbors and told them I was thinking of them...today one year ago the buried their daughter.

Hug your loves tight.  And if that's not possible,  let your memories comfort you.

Day 14, wake up early to pray.   Done.  Day 15...plan a smoothie or tea date with a friend.  We are going to eat with parents in law tomorrow.

P.S.  we got a text from BIL...SUV sold in 1 day!  Thank you Lord!